Save the Salmon, Full Spill Ahead

by Amy Lindberg
Seattle Times, April 10, 2010

I applaud the editorial urging the Obama administration to adopt strong spill measures for dams along the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Until there is a real recovery plan for Columbia salmon, such as bypassing the dams on the lower Snake River, measures such as increased spill are crucial for ensuring salmon will not become extinct. I am disappointed that the administration would consider getting rid of a proven way to help boost salmon returns.

I hope federal agencies will heed your advice -- and that of scientists -- and commit to a full spill program for this year's salmon migration.

But spill is only a short-term measure. We also need some type of settlement process put into place. I hope that Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell as well as other leaders in Washington will take the initiative on this and move us toward a real solution to the salmon crisis.